Thrift and Such April 18

   

      I thought about taking down my haphazardly thrown together word purge, but then thought again.Every now and then I read a comment that makes me question how I come across, or lead to false assumptions, then I think about how I come across in real life. I don't want pity, but do want my own timeline and space to keep processing the day to day experiences I was not prepared for. Enough on that, but thank you for those that left kind words. 

     My thrift review covers an odd Thursday - Wednesday time period. I'm trying hard to keep living expenses as low as possible to hopefully put towards home and living improvements and saving towards an early retirement, while still enjoying time with family and friends. I'm follow The Hawaii Plan's format for tracking because it resonates with how I'm approaching thrift as well. Particular call out to her "For Others" category as it's so important when managing our budgets, we still give of ourselves in time, money, or other resources when we're in position to do so. I've been the recipient of others generosity too many times to count. I added a "Thrifty Bonus" category, to capture things that don't really fall anywhere, but to me add to my life and are a good value.

Saving on things we buy

• We needed much more grass seed, and was able to get a resilient version for mixed sun and shade, easier for my ignorance, on sale. Plus the non-kink hose and sprayer was on sale.  
• Used the $5 Kohl's cash that was sent for my husbands old account towards a small gift for my MIL for Mother's Day. I already had gone in on a new ceiling fan, so this was just a treat to go in her card. 
• These were tucked away in the freezer right away for summer lake use, but for two packages of chicken hotdogs, dated April 18, for 50¢ a package. When you got hungry teens at the table that will eat four at a sitting, they'll be nice to have for extra. 
• Filled up tank with a 10¢ per gallon coupon.

Earning money

• Sent in the receipt and rebate form to get 11% back. I wish it was just a discount but I'll find uses for the store credit check that are needs like furnace filters, light bulbs, and household cleaning supplies. 
• Not really earning money, but put in for reimbursement for mileage to an outstate meeting. With parking it was over $85, and gas is really expensive. 
• A couple CDs matured this week. I learned I can roll them over to a new plan and get an additional .3% interest. While not a fortune, every bit helps rebuild savings after paying for the fence. 

Avoiding spending

• Brought along snack to share and drinks we already had for BYOB cards at my sister's Saturday night. It's such an economical and enjoyable way to spend an evening. 
• I'm putting this here, but not sure it quite fits. I forgot lunch on Tuesday with the chaos of dog and knee appointment. I got by just getting a few things at an Aldi on route to cover Tuesday in the office plus a couple other out and abouts, way less than restaurant or take out would be. I'll count towards groceries and tighten just a bit more the rest of the month. 

Eating what we have/ Using what we have

• I got dinner out with a former work colleague last Thursday, but brought half the chicken rolls home- just too much. My son gladly devoured. 
• I made muffins with frozen  banana saved when it went past eating prime and two of the last four oatmeal packets. One more batch and those will be gone. 
• My son made full use of the pork roast he made last Friday, eating as burritos and breakfast sandwiches. I'm glad he's not picky about leftovers, though he repurposes. 
• We were going to make burgers on Monday for  supper, but pushed out another  couple days as my son recognized the amount of odds and ends to use up. We're both trying to watch the waste and save pennies. 
• Saved a decomposable egg carton to start more seeds. I'll use the plastic wrap trick that seems to be working well for the sunflowers. 

For others

• My son got a panic call from his cousin that has the pizza/ brewery. Her husband was coming to collect a heck of a deal on chairs near us and assumed he could pay with a check. They wanted cash only and he was without debit card or enough cash. I was able to provide the cash and he reimbursed me with a check so they didn't miss out. I don't keep a lot of cash on hand, but this was completely doable. I'll cash the check and return to my little emergency stash. 
•  I gave my sister a ride to a party so she could have a few beers and not think about her car. Later, she got a ride to my sister's, and I brought her home too. 
• Had the girls for dinner Sunday. Sent leftovers with my youngest. 

Thrifty Bonus 

• I signed up for Duolingo to get a crash course update for French. I've managed to do the 5-15 minutes per day. 
• I had a call with a representative for the pension, HSA, and deferred comp manager so I understand timing and requirements next year and can better plan. 

     And to keep myself honest, I made a few splurges as life is about "both and" when it comes to spending and saving.

• Dinner out with colleague including a beer. Conversation with someone I really enjoy spending time with and miss in the workplace, priceless. 
• New hose and spray attachment, even on sale, were $60 plus tax but will make watering  flowers, planters, and trees so much easier. I bought the style my friend had when I watered for her last August.and it was such a joy to use and her yard is large and garden beds spread out.  
• I could have made due with just egg cartons, but bought a small seed starter box, that makes a sort of mini green house. I started peppers and zucchini., plus a couple seed packets of Cosmos in some decomposing planters. I'll use them in an existing planter and hanging basket. 

     There we go. As for retirement count down, I'm now 46 to 63 weeks away, depending on what month I make the leap. Being thrifty now is part of that decision, both in how much I can save, and how realistically  comfortably low I can get my living budget. I keep reading other bloggers thrift and frugal posts. I keep learning or affirming that we can lead good lives on a budget.